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LEADERSHIP-A QUALITY ABOVE ALL
Marian Baltazar
Class of 1980, University of the Philippines College of Manila
AB Political Science
A very broad and multi-faceted term is what embodies leadership per se. Can we also say that it is tantamount
to being successful? It is a very distinct quality that is innate in every human being. It i...s an inherent ability
that every individual possess, whether it be good or bad. It has many aspects yet it agrees that a leader is one
whose magnetic personality galvanizes people for some cause. They have not only this aura but charisma that
arouses the awareness of their followers. Great leaders influence their followers not by words but by their
actions. They walk what they preach and serve as catalyst, for their presence is enough to motivate and
influence the people. In my opinion, I do not think that we can single out a definition for leadership.
As William Shakespeare said, “Some are born great, some achieve greatness and some have greatness thrust
upon them.” Yes, we can agree on this fact that some people are born leaders as God has designated a person
to be. Take the example of the Bible characters like Moses, Joseph and David, who very well describes that they
were chosen by God to be a leader of His people. If you will delve into each of their characters, nobody’s life
was exemplary but they were made commendable by God. Thus, one can say that born leaders have that inner
compulsion or urge which drive them to accomplish great tasks. Some achieve greatness is groomed in a
discipline to acquire leadership qualities. Then, towards this specific purpose or goal, some have imbued a kind
of discipline to acquire leadership qualities. As the Scripture says in Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way
that it should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Apart from the innate qualities of leadership,
these things should be inculcated in one’s mind, courage, initiative, drive, a sense of responsibility and
impartiality, not only having that special skill but also having that wisdom, intelligence and be conscientious.
A good leader avoids procrastination and always displays their abilities and intelligence to make apt and
appropriate decisions for that matter. He is able to withstand and face tough challenges and complex situations
in life. Some leaders become perverted when they acquire fame and power. They become so obsessed with
their power that they tend to forget their humble beginnings and virtually become a dictator. Hitler was a living
example of a dictator who was tyrannical and self-possessed. True leadership then is not allowing oneself to be
overwhelmed by his status. A leader should be prepared to sacrifice his personal interests for the good of
others; therefore a good leader lives for others. Great deeds make great men. A living testimony to this can be
found in the person of Mahatma Gandhi, whom others try to emulate because he lived a life of self-denial and
hardship. Trust, confidence and being optimistic are the attributes of a good leader.
The bottom line is to be a good leader; you should be a good follower and is always willing and able to learn
from his mistakes. Therefore, we in our own right can be good leaders because we have the courage to take
challenges and go where no one has gone before. We only have one life to live so we might as well live it to the
fullest.
Questions for discussion:
1.What are the qualities of being a good leader?
2.Can you qualify yourself as a leader? In what aspect are you one?
3.What are the attributes of good leadership?
4. Can we consider all the prominent people to be good leaders? Explain your answer.
5.Leaders should be capable of taking risks, so how can you explain the saying, “The higher the risk, the higher
is the gain”?